FEARS were mounting among Cheshires farming community last night after it emerged a ban on pig swill could force some out of business.

Dairy producers believe if new regulations on pig food include whey, an alternative form of disposal could lead to crippling costs.

Cheshire dairy farmers supply whey, a by-product of cheese production, to pig producers across the country.

They are now waiting anxiously to find out if the product will be included in the ban, which comes into force on May 24 as part of foot-and-mouth precautions.

Cheshire National Farmers' Union chairman, Alan Gardiner, said: "It could be devastating for dairy farmers if the restrictions do apply to whey.

"Whey is only sold for a small price but losing their income from its sale is not the main issue.

"The problem would arise from the alternative disposal of the product which would have to be via a waste treatment works.

"This process would be very expensive and someone would have to pick up the tab for it.

"If it is the farmer, then there is certainly the possibility it could push some out of business.

"It must also be considered that the cost of cheese and milk could rise as a result."

Mr Gardiner says that there are also a number of important environmental issues to be considered in the disposal of whey.

"If waste milk travels via a sewage works into a water course, for example a stream, it could lead to great problems," he said.

"The bacteria in the water would feed on the milk and multiply. This would trigger a process known as biological oxygen demand, which means the bacteria would use up all the oxygen in the water, killing the fish. It would be an environmental disaster."

Once the ban comes into force, pig producers will have to use a limited range of approved feed, including pre-packaged formulas made of cereals and soya bean.

At present, the majority of pig swill is reconstituted waste food from places such as restaurants and schools.

Mr Gardiner said there could also be an environmental threat posed by the alternative disposal of this type of feed.

"If waste food is not used in pig swill, it has to go to a landfill site," said Mr Gardiner.

"Obviously food lying on a landfill site would attract rats and seagulls which in turn could lead to the spread of disease.

"It has been suggested that foot-and-mouth originated in a waste tip near Newcastle. If this is the case, then it must have been carried by animals and the last thing we want is to run the risk of repeating it."

Mr Gardiner added: "The Government has to watch it doesnt cause more problems to the industry."